Hawaii Vs Bahamas Vacation: Which One Is The Better Spot For The Ultimate Tropical Experience?

BY  Ankita Nov 20, 2023

Have you ever thought that tourism harms the environment? The carbon footprint, inefficient use of resources, and pollution from non-recyclable trash affect the nature around us. Fortunately, today the entire travel industry has realized this and is taking decisive steps to counteract it.  For example, when you're traveling to the UK and want to pick up a Birmingham Airport car hire, companies provide electric and hybrid vehicles that reduce emissions. You can find these cars at Birmingham Airport via Rental24.co.uk.  The same goes for hotels. Green or environmentally friendly hotels are those whose activities don’t affect (or have virtually no effect on) nature. Plus, their style of work actively promotes sustainable education and responsible tourism.  So, if you’re planning to visit or move for a while on an island and take part in environmental initiatives, choose a hotel accordingly. Here are the Top 10 sustainable stays in the United Kingdom. Daylesford Organic Farm, Gloucestershire  Daylesford Organic Farm began as a simple passion for organic produce and has grown to become one of the most sustainable farms in the UK. Covering an area of 2,500 acres, it sits in the county of Gloucestershire.  Daylesford is the perfect place for a nature-friendly getaway with the whole family. Here you can find charming stone cottages, stylish modern country houses, and cozy luxury rooms for two. By the way, the hotel often hosts interesting events, such as tasting evenings with sommeliers, master classes on cooking organic dishes, book clubs for intellectuals, and wellness yoga retreats.  Atlantic View Lodges, Widemouth Bay, Bude  Providing a calm and secluded holiday by the water, Atlantic View is also among the eco-friendly hotels in the UK. The picturesque coastline begins just a few steps from the cottages. At the same time, green cottages are surrounded by high cliffs and decorate the Cornish coastline. Perhaps their main feature is the comfortable terraces overlooking Widemouth Bay and the endless Atlantic Ocean.  All Atlantic View cottages are designed with the environment in mind. It uses solar thermal panels as well as energy-efficient air pump systems. One more sustainable feature of the houses is their green roofs, which fit perfectly into the hilly landscape of the area. They create an atmosphere of maximum unity between guests and nature. One Aldwych, London  This eco-friendly option has all the qualities for environmentally responsible travel in the UK. As a five-star hotel, One Aldwych has adopted green living in almost every area. It includes a vacuum drainage system, energy-saving LED solutions, and a chlorine-free swimming pool. It also has eco-friendly materials used in the interiors and exteriors.  Staying at this hotel takes you on an amazing journey into environmental reality. It gets you thinking about the many ways you can reduce your emissions - just like One Aldwych does. Located in the prestigious area of Westminster, this prestigious hotel clearly demonstrates that luxury and tradition can be completely nature-friendly. The Grove, Hertfordshire  Located near to London, this five-star hotel deservedly joins the list of green accommodations in the UK. It occupies 300 acres of woodlands in Hertfordshire and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.  The Grove recently received the Green Apple Environment Award for its contributions to sustainability and environmental protection. Its signature highlight is its 18-hole top-class golf course. You can also enjoy on-site outdoor and indoor swimming pools, the Sequoia Spa with excellent service, and rooms with stunning countryside views. The Ritz London  The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain took on a responsible attitude towards nature back in 1983. The legendary Ritz in Piccadilly breeds bees of the old English breed Buckfast. They collect nectar in Hyde Park and the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Also, they replaced almost all the lamps with LEDs and reduced the consumption of electricity, gas, and water. One more important step they take towards preserving the planet is recycling waste. They do it so that nothing ends up in a landfill.  It makes a hotel even more pleasant to feel like a crowned person in the exquisite rooms. Especially when you know that the hotel is scrupulously and conscientiously adhering to its green policy. The Ritz also helps reduce its carbon footprint, earning it a Green Tourism Gold certification. The Scarlet Hotel, Magwan Porth  Hidden between ribbed cliffs, the Cornish coastline, which is home to The Scarlet Hotel, is one of the UK's eco-tourism destinations. With many coves and bays around, it offers a sophisticated setting for a luxurious stay. Not to mention the nearby Scilly archipelago, consisting of many small cozy islands.  The Scarlet strives to provide guests with maximum relaxation and tranquility while being in the heart of this English wilderness. The Ayurvedic spa, which attracts visitors from all over the country, features an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea, a log hot tub, and a natural pool carved into the rocks.  In addition, the hotel is completely environmentally friendly: all interior elements are made only from natural or recycled materials. Plus, the owners try to use rainwater, and electricity comes exclusively from renewable energy sources. The Cavendish London Hotel  As a rule, premium hotels have little to do with the environment. However, Cavendish and its staff won over with their commitment to resource- and energy-saving technologies and consistency in green actions throughout the hotel.  Low-flow showers and taps, energy-saving light bulbs, sensor-activated hallway lighting, and hydrocarbon-filled refrigerators are just some of the environmentally friendly features at the Cavendish Hotel. In addition, the local restaurant recycles 100% of its waste, practices sustainable food consumption, and supports local farmers and producers with orders. Heckfield Place, Hampshire  An ancient 18th-century English estate and biodynamic organic food and flower farm sits in Hampshire, just an hour's drive from London. The local farm employs a team of experts who hand-grow grains, harvest organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables, and produce dairy products, which they then serve in the local restaurant.  It took the Chen family almost ten years to turn the estate into a luxury hotel. While working on the interior, they tried to restore the former Georgian appearance of the building and adapt it to modern needs. Now, Heckfield Place has won several awards for its commitment to sustainability and supporting eco-tourism in the UK. Its owners try to make maximum use of alternative energy production methods, rainwater, and natural materials, and also reduce daily waste. The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire  Opened in 1924, The Gleneagles is a grand private country estate set in 850 acres of beautiful valley land. Here nature has been preserved untouched, in its original form. Everything around breathes true history: the mighty mountains, the vast expanses, the golf courses, and the main hotel building itself.  At Gleneagles, luxury and impeccability coexist harmoniously with a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere created by friendly and courteous staff. In addition, they are attentive to nature: the hotel uses pellets for heating, organic cleaning and washing products, and LED lamps for lighting. Chewton Glen Hotel, Hampshire  In Hampshire, you can stay in a hotel located right in a tree! Set in the New Forest National Park, this luxury country accommodation with spa facilities as well as large grounds is the perfect place to reconnect with nature.  Each of these houses hovers high above the ground, while panoramic windows as well as spacious terraces allow guests to observe amazing views from each luxury room. The suites have a compact kitchenette, plus every morning you will enjoy breakfast delivered from the main part of the hotel. So, are you ready for sustainable travel in the United Kingdom? Choose one of the above hotels for a nature-friendly stay. Also, follow the basic rules of eco-responsible travel to continue the life of our planet! Read Also: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel 9 Tips For Authentic Travel Experiences 20 Of The Best Places To Travel In Africa In 2024

BY  Sibashree Aug 9, 2024

Wrangell-St. Elias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an icy wonderland. It is a place where active volcanoes and the largest glaciers, like Malaspina, coexist, making it “A Song of Ice and Fire.”  It also has some of the greatest mountain ranges in the world and mighty rivers. Further, unique geological features and weather conditions have made the national park a land of biodiversity and wilderness with a lot of mammals, birds, fish, and plants.  Let me take you on a tour of the Wrangell-St. Elias glaciers and everything the national park has to offer.   What Are The Notable Glaciers In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier are the most notable ones in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.   Along with these glaciers, you can also see glacier features like glacier caves, Jökulhlaups, and ice falls. Let’s briefly discuss the major glaciers and glacier features.   Malaspina Glacier Did you know that Malaspina Glacier is the “largest Piedmont glacier in the world?” Designated as a National Natural Landscape in 1968, it spans across 1,075,409 acres.   Further, its glacial mechanisms and fluctuations have made it a favorite of explorers. The glacier is also a favorite of space travelers as it looks vibrant from space.   In an article published by NASA Earth Observatory on 27th October 2023, we can find,  “The dark blueish-purple lines on the ice are moraines—areas where soil, rock, and other debris have been scraped up by the glacier and deposited along its edges. The zigzag pattern of the debris is caused by changes in the ice’s velocity. Glaciers in this area of Alaska periodically “surge” or lurch forward for one to several years. As a result of this irregular flow, the moraines can fold, compress, and shear to form the characteristic textures seen on Malaspina.”  Hubbard Glacier  Hubbard, “the sleeping giant,” is the largest when it comes to the tidewater glaciers in North America (75 miles long). The glacier gets its name from Gardiner Hubbard, National Geographic Society’s first president.   Also called the “Galloping Glacier,” it comes with tranquil blue ice. You can explore Hubbard Glacier through a cruise trip.   Visiting the Hubbard Glacier becomes more exciting as you meet the sea otters, whales, sea lions, and bears along the route.   Nabesna Glacier  With a length of 53 miles, Nabesna Glacier is the “longest interior valley glacier” in the world. However, there are concerns regarding the loss of ice mass in the glacier. A 2007 report says,  “Nabesna, the largest glacier in this region (˜1056 km2), lost mass four times faster during 2000–07 than during 1957–2000. Although accelerated, the mass change over this region is slower than in other glacierized regions of Alaska, particularly those with tidewater glaciers.”  Glacier Features In Wrangell-St. Elias  You will come across many fascinating glacier caves in Wrangell-St. Elias, especially near the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark.   Further, ice falls, or the fountains of the glacier, move very fast, and it’s fascinating to see how they form seracs or blocks.   Also, there are Jökulhlaups, or flooded glacier outbursts, adding to the various glacier features of the national park.    Amazing Glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Facts  Mount  St. Elias, the largest peak of the national park, is the second-highest in the world.  Mount Wrangell, the only active volcano here, is one of the largest active volcanoes in North America.  It has Nabesna Glacier, Malaspina Glacier, and Hubbard Glacier, three of the largest in the world.   It is a part of the “world's largest international protected wilderness.”  Mid-May to mid-September is the best time to visit this park.   Wrangell-St. Elias: A UNESCO World Heritage Site  Home to countless glaciers and many high mountains, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Kluane, Glacier Bay, and Tatshenshini-Alsek.   Also, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is a part of the “largest non-polar icefield in the world.” You will find Dall's sheep, grizzly bears, caribou, and many other animals roaming in this part of the world.   Further, certain geographical and biological factors and “protection and management requirements” make this national park a place of outstanding universal value. Let’s discuss them in detail.   Rich In Biodiversity  The scenic beauty and geological diversity in the park are outstanding. It has sea mammals and other aquatic animals. Further, you can see many land mammals, birds, and different types of trees in this park.   The table below mentions some of the most popular birds, trees, and animals you can see here.   Land Mammals Brown Bears Polar Bears Black Bears Mountain Goats Dall Sheep Bison Coyotes Wolverine Porcupine Sea Mammals and Other Marine Creatures Whales Sea Lions Porpoises Harbor Seals Sea Otters Plants (936 Vascular Plant Species) Sedge Family Grass Family Sunflower Family Trees Willows Various Introduced Species Birds Bald Eagles Canada Geese Trumpeter Swans Wilson's Warblers American Robins  Home to boreal forest, Wrangell-St. Elias has one of the largest ecosystems in the world. Diverse geological features and unique weather conditions support this sprawling ecosystem or biodiversity.   Comes With Topographical Diversity   This national park is one of the most diverse in its topographical features. It has glaciers, rivers, river canyons, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains and whatnot!   Geomorphological features like hanging valleys, moraines, craters, and calderas also make this national park unique.   A Hub Of Active Tectonic, Volcanic, Glacial, And Fluvial Natural Processes   Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is also in an area where tectonic, volcanic, glacial, and fluvial natural processes are common.   So, it has active and inactive volcanoes, the largest glaciers, and some prominent fluvial landforms. It has the mighty Copper River, Rivers of Life, and braided rivers formed of glacier water.   Final Words   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has the highest glacier coverage among all national parks in America. It also has the active Mount Wrangell volcano, rivers, and wetlands, making it a place of geological interest.   Exploring the glacier caves and the ice falls here is a one-of-a-kind experience, and it’s wonderful to see how the richest biodiversity with mammals, birds, aquatic animals, and trees thrives here.   So, come and experience the brilliance of nature as you explore the largest glaciers of the world’s largest glaciers, such as Malaspina and Hubbard.   Or have you already been to this land of volcanoes and glaciers? Don’t forget to share your experience of the glaciers of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park tours.    Wrangell-St. Elias National Park FAQs   How Many Glaciers Are In Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  Like the entire Alaska, Wrangell-St. Elias is filled with glaciers. According to the latest count of the National Park Service (NPS), the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park has 3,121 glaciers. Further, these glaciers cover a whopping “6,757 square miles of land.”  So, Wrangell-St. Elias has glaciers that cover 60% of all the glacier coverage in American National Parks. Glacier Bay in Alaska is the distant second to Wrangell-St. Elias. The glacier coverage at Glacier Bay is just 1/5th of Wrangell-St. Elias.  In addition, Malaspina, Hubbard, and the Bering glaciers, located along the park’s southern margin, are three of the largest glaciers in the world.   Having said that, glacier coverage in Alaska is shrinking, and  Wrangell-St. Elias is not an exception. From 1985 to 2020, it has already experienced a 5% reduction in its glacier coverage.   How many People Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Each Year?  The National Park Service has a record of visitors to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park since 1982. Since then, this park has been enjoying thousands of footfalls every year.  2023 was one of the topmost years in terms of number of people visiting  Wrangell-St. Elias. It had 78,305 visitors in 2023.  In 2020 (the Covid-19 era), the park had 16,655 visitors. From 2021, the number of visitors has increased consistently. (Source)  What Is Unique About Wrangell-St. Elias National Park?  With the largest glaciers and volcanoes in the world, Wrangell-St. Elias is unique because of its geographical features. It is also one of the most prominent hubs of biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive glacier and volcanic coverage and rich wildlife, it has earned the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Among glaciers, Hubbard (one of the largest in the world and the largest tidewater glacier in North America) and Malaspina Glacier demand a special mention.   The Mount Wrangell volcano in this park is still active, and some other volcanoes here are Mount Drum, Capital Mountain, Skookum Creek Volcano, etc.  Further, it has an endangered sea mammal, Steller Sea Lion, and other marine animals. Bears, mountain goats, and sheep are common land mammals roaming here.   Also, you will find birds like the American robins, Wilson's warblers, and dark-eyed junco in this national park.   What Is The Highest Peak In Wrangell-St. Elias?  Mount St. Elias is the highest peak in Wrangell-St. Elias. With a height of 18,008 feet, it is also the second-highest peak in North America.   Having said that, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park celebrates the presence of four major mountain ranges in the world. It has the eastern part of the Alaskan Range, St. Elias, Chugach, and Wrangell.   Why Is Wrangell-St. Elias Protected?  Wrangell-St. Elias is protected to “preserve and protect ecological integrity and heritage resources of a vast ecosystem in south-central Alaska, while providing for public use in a wilderness setting.”  So, it is protected to preserve the local geology and diversity of the landscape with glaciers, volcanoes, and wetlands. It is also a measure to preserve wildlife and its inhabitants. Also read Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel. Paris Transforming Historical Sites Into Olympic Venues. Whales And Sea Lions! Exploring Wildlife At Kenai Fjords National Park.

BY  Sibashree Oct 10, 2025

Drama and Golden hour glow! And of course, the Jenga rock formations!  All these make the Edge of the World Arizona perfect for camping, stargazing, and scenic drives. The Edge of the World calls the Coconino National Forest its home, and the national forest is further located between Sedona and Flagstaff.  The 55 km round trip is fun, provided you are ready to take the bounce coming from the washboards on the road. Furthermore, every bit of toil on the road is worth it once you enjoy the views from the Mogollon Rim top or inhale the whiff of the Ponderosa Pine.  What’s more? Let’s discuss the Edge of the World Arizona, in detail. We will also talk about the practical tips for a safe outdoor experience. Quick Facts About Edge Of The World Arizona  Distance from Sedona: 28 Miles Distance from Flagstaff: 27-28 Miles Road Type: A combination of gravel, dirt, and washboards Ride Types: High-Clearance 4x4, Dirt Bike, ATV (50"), SxS (60"), and SUV Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Road Condition: Not Maintained After Snow or Rain Best Time of the Day for Visit: Sunrise or Sunset Tools Needed: GPS Coordinates for Viewpoints Route Length: 55 Miles Dog-Friendly: Yes Elevation Change: 3,400’ Drones Allowed: No Edge of the World Arizona Map  1. East Pocket Arizona View this post on Instagram A post shared by ThreeSixZero Photo (@threesixzero_photo) The Edge of the World and the larger area are often referred to as the East Pocket. There is an old watchtower nearby for keeping an eye on the wildfire. This watch tower is called the East Pocket Tower.  2. The Knob The Jenga Rock formations, offset the cliffs, look like knobs, and they seem to be formed with puzzle blocks, which are not in order.  How To Reach The Edge Of The World Arizona  Here are the step-by-step guides for how to reach the Edge of the World Arizona from Flagstaff and Sedona. Flagstaff to Edge of the World Arizona RouteSedona to Edge of the World Arizona Route Journey Time: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes • Take the 89A Highway from the south of Flagstaff.• Drive for around 25 minutes to find the US Forest Service Road 535.• Continue for 19 Miles on Service Road 535. • Then, find the Forest Service Road 9012R and turn right to reach the Knob. Journey Time: Around 1 Hour and 30 Minutes• From the North of Sedona, Take Highway 89A.• Drive till Forest Road 535. You will find the turnoff after driving for around 17 miles north of Sedona.• Drive for 19 miles on Forest Road 535. Then, take the # 9012R.• Drive till the end of the road and turn right to find the Knob. • You will find various switchbacks, and navigating through the rocks and ruts here is really difficult. Also, following the numbered rock signs can be a little difficult.  During December to February, these roads can get blocked with extreme snowfall and ice accumulation. The icy patches remain till the spring months of March and May.  However, the summer months from June to August and the Fall months from September to November are ideal for the drive from Sedona or Flagstaff.  Before you plan a drive to the Edge of the World, Arizona, you can download and use the AZ 511 app and know about the current weather conditions.  What To Expect At The Viewpoint Of The Edge Of The World Arizona?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mary Forbes (@sunkissed_mary) With rocky cliffs in the surrounding area, you will also enjoy views of multiple peaks and ridges when driving to the Edge of the World in Arizona.  There are no hiking trails. However, you can climb some rocks and walk in some spots to get wonderful vistas of the canyon and the surrounding area.  Furthermore, to up your adventure level a few notches higher, you can go for a hike to the Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock Mountains in Sedona.  Nevertheless, the Lego or Knob Rock formation here is the main attraction. However, taking a photo of the formation is a bit tricky as the formation sits almost at the edge of the cliff.  So, you can climb up the left rock of the twin boulders you will come across before reaching the viewpoint.  Moreover, if you want to just stand below the rock formation, you can jump over a chasm and reach the lower rock in front of it. There is a gap of around 15 feet. So, jump only if you can manage.  Warnings And Things To Keep In Mind At The Edge Of The World Arizona  Keep the map open and follow the blue GPS dot, as network connectivity will be lost once you are on the Service Road 535. Do not follow Google Maps blindly, as in most cases, the road numbers on Google Maps may not match the signs of the Forest Service Roads.  Follow the Leave No Trace policy and follow all the local regulations of the Coconino National Forest. Keep the contact number of the national forest (+1 928-527-3600) handy so that you can contact them in an emergency. You can also contact the forest service at 1-800-832-1355.  Nature And Wildlife At Coconino National Forest Home to the Mormon Lake and Rogers Lake, the national forest is also home to many wildlife animals and birds.  Types of AnimalsExamplesMammals• White-Tailed Deer• Mule Deer• Black Bears• ElkPronghorn• Porcupines• Mountain Lions (Rarely Visible)Birds• Mexican Spotted Owls• Wild Eages• Bald Eagles• OspreysReptiles• Desert Spiny Lizard• Short Hord Lizard Plants At Coconino National Forest I have already mentioned that the Edge of the World in Arizona is filled with the aroma of Ponderosa Pines. I love these pine needles for their vanilla scent. These plants stand as the eternal witness, with an imposing height of up to 8000 feet.  These plants are also crucial for the fire-prone nature of the forest. They can withstand fire attacks thanks to their thick bark and pruning branches.  Other plants and trees found here are Quaking Aspen and Rocky Mountain Junipers.  Overall, the Coconino National Forest houses a combination of diverse ecosystems such as the high-elevation tundra, desert, and ponderosa pine forests. So, you will notice a great variety in the animals and plants living here.  Camping And Overnight Stay At The Edge Of The World Arizona View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Imhoff (@imhoff.imagery) The red rock formations and wonderful vistas make the Edge of the World in Arizona an ideal place for camping. However, the camping conditions here are primitive. Also, you have to be very careful about the fire usage as the forest is prone to catching fire.  Follow these simple tips to avoid fire hazards during the Edge of the World camping in Arizona.  Use dead firewood for lighting up a fire. Do not cut the branches of the standing trees. Use a small stove for cooking according to the rules and regulations of the United States Forest Service (USFS). Listen to the rangers and use lanterns at night. Use fire rings if you are building a fire. Keep a shovel and 6 gallons of water handy. Ensure that the woods you are burning are turned to ash and there are no sparks.  Camping is free of cost at the Coconino National Forest. Also, you do not need a permit for camping here.  What Is The Best Time To Visit The Edge Of The World Arizona?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jessica Kesti | 📍Arizona | Hiking + Adventures (@jess.kesti96) The fall season from September to November is the best time to visit the Edge of the World. However, here is a detailed breakdown of the weather conditions and road conditions in Edge of the World, Arizona. Season and MonthWeather ConditionRoad ConditionBest ForSpring/ March to MayCool and ComfortableMostly smooth. However, sometimes snowy patches are visibleClear ViewsSummer/June to AugustHotDustySunset CampingFall/September to NovemberMild ColdSmoothBeautiful Fall ColorsWinter/December to FebruaryColdMud and SnowOften, roads remain closed Visiting The Edge Of The World Arizona: Itinerary & Nearby Places 1-Day Itinerary • Driving Early Morning• Picnic in the Afternoon• Take Sunset Photos• Plan a Return2-Day Itinerary• Day Drive and Picnic• Overnight Camping• Sedona Hikes on the Next MorningNearby Places for Food and Fuel • Desert View Market and Deli• Desert View Gas StationNearby Attractions• Kaibab National Forest• Grand Canyon National Park Edge Of The World Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Edge of the World, Arizona.  1. What 7th Wonder Of The World Does Arizona Have? The Grand Canyon is the 7th wonder of the world in Arizona. It is a chasm formed by the erosion of the Colorado River and the rampage of wind and rain. The chasm is 277 miles in length, and it has a length of 18 miles.  2. Where Is The Top Of The World In Arizona? Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona and the highest point in the San Francisco Peaks, is the top of the world in Arizona. With an elevation of 3,852 meters, Humphreys Peak is a popular hiking destination. In the summer season, especially many hikers flock to this place.  3. Are You Allowed To Camp Anywhere In Arizona? No, you cannot camp anywhere in Arizona. The Bureau of Land Management in Arizona says that dispersed camping is allowed in national forest lands, the Bureau of Land Management lands, and for a limited time on State Trust Lands.  Read Also: The Best Places To See Northern Lights In The USA: When And Where To Watch Aurora Borealis Here are Some Warm Places to Travel in February in the USA! Check the Best Warm Winter Destinations in USA!